American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Practice Exam

The appropriate parking ratio for medical centers is derived from a combination of factors including patient turnover, staff requirements, and the unique usage patterns of healthcare facilities. Medical centers typically have a higher volume of daily visitors, including patients, visitors, and healthcare staff.

Choosing a ratio of 3:4 to 9:2 reflects the necessity for both short-term parking for patients and long-term parking for employees. This range accounts for the different needs of a bustling medical environment, where the influx of individuals can vary significantly based on the time of day, specific services offered, and events such as clinics or family visits.

Lower ratios may not provide sufficient parking during peak hours, leading to congestion and accessibility problems, while higher ratios may result in unnecessary land use. Thus, the specified range effectively balances the need for adequate parking against the prudent use of land resources, ensuring that the facility can accommodate its visitors without sacrificing the overall function or accessibility of the medical center.